Flute Choirs

Check here for updates about the Flute Specialists' Flute Choir rehearsals and recitals and for concerts and classes.

A flute choir is a group of flutists playing together, much like a vocal choir, except we all play flutes! We also use piccolos as well as alto and bass flutes, lower pitched instruments which are less common. If you have your own piccolo or large flute, you are encouraged to bring it, as well as a folding music stand, your flute, and a pencil. Alto and bass flutes are also available for rehearsals courtesy of Flute Specialists!

Flute choir is a very different experience from playing in a band. As many of the pieces we work on have as many as ten different parts, you may be the only person playing your particular part. This helps develop strong reading skills and independent musicianship. Flute choir music also uses lower notes than most band music, often going down to low C or even B. It may also have more sharps than band music. Because we are a smaller group than full bands, it is a good way to work on intonation and ensemble playing since it is easier to hear yourself and how your part fits in to the group.

At Flute Specialists we have two different groups at different difficulty levels, rehearsing on alternating Saturdays. If you are not sure which ensemble is right for you, come to a rehearsal and try it out! Most people can decide for themselves where they are most comfortable, but if you would like a personalized recommendation, our flute choir director, Kasey Martin, is happy to help. Alto and bass flutes are available for your use and music is provided. Both groups are FREE and you may join at any time. There are no auditions or minimum attendance requirements. We are a non-competitive group who simply enjoys playing.

Intermediate Choir: a good starting point for younger or less experienced players, or those who have no previous experience in a flute choir. Recommended for all players with three years or less of playing experience. Also recommended for more experienced players who are uncomfortable playing in key signatures with sharps, or who have difficulty with counting. We will play easier music than the Advanced Choir, as well as working on learning scales and counting and independent play. More advanced players are encouraged to attend as well if you wish.

Advanced Choir: recommended for players who have been playing for at least three years. Most members of the Advanced Choir are high school or adult players. Players should be comfortable playing in keys with up to four flats or sharps, 6/8 time, cut time, sixteenth notes, dotted rhythms, and notes from low C (below the staff) up to at least high G. Advanced Choir performs regularly throughout the community. If you are interested in having the Advanced Choir perform for your group or event, please contact the flute choir director Kasey Martin at kassiamartin@yahoo.com.

Combined Choirs: During the summer and before performances, the two choirs will sometimes rehearse and perform together. During combined rehearsals, we will start with easier music and move on to more difficult pieces as the rehearsal progresses. Less advanced players are welcome to try the advanced music to the best of their abilities, stay to listen, or to leave early.

All rehearsals take place at The Flute Specialists, Inc. store. Bring your own stand please.

About Kassia Martin: Flute Choir director Kassia (Kasey) Martin has been conducting the choir since 2002. She is a member of the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, the Midland Symphony Orchestra, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, and also performs regularly with other groups, as a soloist, and as a chamber musician. She has been teaching flute for over 20 years and is the flute instructor at Madonna University and at the Steiner School in Ann Arbor, and is also available for private lessons at Flute Specialists.